Out to Eat: Greek Islands

If you're ever in the mood for a traditional Greek experience with an American influence, Greek Islands Restaurant in Holbrook should be first on your list.  Though Greek restaurants are somewhat sparse in the Sachem area, residents will never be lacking with the presence of Greek Islands.

Gus Kouroutis owns the popular eatery with his wife Angela, and prides himself on the authenticity of his business. 

"I've combined Greek and American ways to create my new restaurant menu," Kouroutis said. "I hope everyone is happy with the food and service. We hope you will feel at home at the Greek Islands Restaurant, and will feel comfortable telling your friends about our fine restaurant." 

Upon entering Greek Islands one definitely feels comfortable.  The booths and tables are numerous, yet spread out enough so that you can enjoy a private meal with your guests. Almost instantly, the owners approach and greet you with a plentiful offering of chick peas and warm pita bread. This delicious combination serves to ready your appetite for the coming meal.

A friendly wait staff is on hand to quickly provide drinks and take your order.  The menu incorporates everything from shish kebabs and seafood to pasta and steak.  

On this occasion, both stuffed mushrooms and a traditional Spanakopita, or spinach pie, were enjoyed. When the items arrived, the size of the portions was shocking.  Each item was priced roughly $7, yet there was so much food that the two items alone would have been enough for an entire meal.  

The stuffed mushrooms were overflowing with spinach and feta cheese, a distinctly wonderful combination of flavors. For a slight additional charge, Greek Islands also offers the option of adding crab meat to the mushrooms. 

The Spanakopita is another combination of spinach and feta cheese in a light, flaky shell.  Despite using the same components as the mushrooms, the spinach pie had a completely different and satisfying taste. It is clear that the chefs take great care to inventively produce a variety of items and flavors.  The appetizers were prepared to the perfect temperature and presented beautifully. 

Though we were already nearly full, the plates were cleared and dinner was served.  My guest and I both chose the falafel platter, a traditional Greek meal consisting of fried chickpea patties in pita bread served with lettuce, tomato, onion, and a generous side of yogurt sauce for dipping.  Just as with the appetizers, the platter was daunting in size. 

The falafel was so deliciously crispy and well surrounded by vegetables that it was hard to put it down.  Despite being thoroughly full, we pushed ourselves to finish our meals. While the restaurant offers a nice selection of desserts, we decided that we'd save that for next time.

The experience was so thoroughly enjoyed that I found myself returning within that same week to take out appetizers. 

The wide variety of items are affordable, with the average meal costing about $10-$15. 

In addition to dine in and take out, Greek Islands Restaurant offers a catering menu where half or full trays of your favorites can be ordered for parties and get togethers.

Located at 315a Main Street in Holbrook, Greek Islands Restaurant is a special experience in the Sachem area, and one that all should enjoy.

Have an idea for this column? Fond of an eatery around town? Email Sachem Patch editor Chris Vaccaro and let him know ... Chris@Patch.com.